HFGO vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HFGO (Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. HFGO is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HFGO returned 26.77%/yr vs 25.93%/yr for VUG. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. HFGO charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

HFGO vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HFGO achieves a 11.58% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return.

HFGO

• 1D: -1.26%
• 1M: 8.28%
• YTD: 11.58%
• 6M: 10.04%
• 1Y: 30.26%
• 3Y*: 26.77%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

HFGO vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HFGO Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF	11.58%	15.52%	40.73%	42.45%	-36.69%	-5.15%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	1.90%

Correlation

The correlation between HFGO and VUG is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 11, 2021	0.95

The correlation between HFGO and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

HFGO vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HFGO	VUG
Technology	52.0%	53.5%
Communication Services	21.5%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.9%	12.2%
Healthcare	7.0%	4.6%
Industrials	3.1%	3.6%
Financial Services	2.3%	4.3%
Energy	0.6%	0.4%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	1.5%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Real Estate	-	1.0%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

HFGO vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

HFGO

HFGO Risk / Return Rank: 42
HFGO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
HFGO Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
HFGO Omega Ratio Rank: 46
HFGO Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
HFGO Martin Ratio Rank: 35

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

HFGO vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	HFGO	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.77	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	2.40	-0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.31	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	1.69	-0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.35	5.92	-0.58
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HFGO vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HFGO Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HFGO and VUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HFGO	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	1.77	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.68	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.62	-0.23

Drawdowns

HFGO vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFGO drawdown since its inception was -44.64%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFGO and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFGO	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.64%	-50.68%	+6.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.29%	-16.53%	-1.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.19%	-22.85%	-2.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-1.51%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.11%	-7.09%	-9.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.67%	4.71%	+0.96%

Volatility

HFGO vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) has a higher volatility of 4.77% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 3.83%. This indicates that HFGO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HFGO	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.77%	3.83%	+0.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.91%	12.11%	+1.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.01%	15.84%	+2.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.91%	22.22%	+3.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.91%	21.44%	+4.47%

HFGO vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFGO has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFGO vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

HFGO has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.37%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HFGO Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFGO and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, HFGO and VUG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, HFGO or VUG?

HFGO has higher volatility (4.77%) compared to VUG (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HFGO dropped -44.64% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, HFGO or VUG?

On 3-year performance, HFGO leads with 26.77% vs 25.93% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 3.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HFGO or VUG?

Over the 3-year period, HFGO has performed better with a 26.77% return vs 25.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFGO or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for HFGO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HFGO or VUG?

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.00% for HFGO.

What is the main difference between HFGO and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: Hartford and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for HFGO and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.69), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.